Luciano Lights Up West Coast

The first gig is in Santa Cruz, Calif., Sept. 2 and the last on is at Rez Roots Festival Sept. 17 in Second Mesa, Ariz. The routing also includes a stop in Vancouver Sept. 10 and in Tijuana Sept. 15, showing the broad international reach that reggae music is developing.

Most of the gigs are in California, with Oregon holding down a pair of shows Sept. 8-9 in Bend and Portland. Prior to the headline tour Luciano also has festival appearances in Toronto at CNE Bandshell Aug. 24 and at the CNE Bandshell Aug. 28.

Luciano took on his performing name when an early mentor in Jamaica compared his vocal talents to those of Luciano Pavarotti. His last LP was released in 2014, but Luciano’s catalogue stretches back to 1993 and he has logged over 20 albums in his career.

The singer has grown to be a force in his genre and is known for bringing morality with the music. He is a principled Rastafarian, and seeks to promote dancehall environments that forego “slackness” or vulgarity in language and dancing.

Similar to the headliners, Reggae Angels pride themselves on providing a positive message through music, with the latest album The Way promising messages of wisdom and encouragement.

Here is the plan:

Aug. 24 – Toronto, Ontario, CNE Bandshell (Canadian National Exhibition)
Aug. 28 – Philadelphia, Pa., Fairmount Park (Philadelphia Jerk Festival)
Sept. 2 – Santa Cruz, Calif., Moe’s Alley
Sept. 3 – Berkeley, Calif., Ashkenaz Music & Dance Community Center
Sept. 7 – Mill Valley, Calif., Sweetwater Music Hall
Sept. 8 – Bend, Ore., The Capitol
Sept. 9 – Portland, Ore., Star Theater
Sept. 10 – Cloverdale, British Columbia, Stetson Bowl
Sept. 11 – Seattle, Wash., Nectar Lounge
Sept. 15 – Tijuana, Mexico, Rouge 2020
Sept. 16 – Inglewood, Calif., The Savoy Entertainment Center
Sept. 17 – Kykotsmovi, Ariz., Hopi Veterans Memorial Center (Rez Roots Festival)
       
Tickets are on sale now. Check out LucianoMessenjah.com for more on the artist.